Flexible Substrate Lighting Fixtures

ABSTRACT

A lighting fixture can comprise a flexible substrate and an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) coupled to the flexible substrate. In various embodiments, the array of LEDs can be disposed at one region of the flexible substrate, with another area of the flexible substrate free from LEDs. Light emitted from the LED array can be incident upon the area that is free from LEDs, and that area can manage the incident light to achieve a desired effect. Accordingly, the flexible substrate can filter, diffuse, refract, transmit, diffract, imprint information upon, or otherwise purposely manipulate light generated by associated LEDs The flexible substrate may be manipulated into different forms for different lighting fixtures styles and models and for different applications.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of and claims priority toU.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/199,890 filed Mar. 6, 2014 andtitled “Flexible Substrate Lighting Fixtures,” which claims priority toU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/773,436 filed Mar. 6, 2013and titled “Flexible Substrate Lighting Fixtures.” The entire contentsof the foregoing applications are hereby incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments described herein generally relate to lightings systems and,more particularly, to various solutions utilizing flexible substratesfor light source mounting.

BACKGROUND

Interest in adoption of light emitting diode (LED) light sources isescalating, as light emitting diodes offer advantages over incandescentlighting and other approaches to converting electrical energy intoluminous energy. Such advantages include longevity and efficiency. Lightemitting diodes typically come in packages that are very different fromconventional incandescent light bulbs or fluorescent bulbs.Additionally, light emitting diodes emit light in a very differentgeometry than most other conventional illumination sources.

New manufacturing and assembly technologies are needed to leverage fullythe advantages and unique physical, optical, and electricalcharacteristics of light emitting diodes. New solutions for managing andcontrolling light produced by light emitting diodes are needed. Needexists for lighting fixtures that incorporate light emitting diodes in amanner that increases adaptability in lighting fixture design andformat, and that may support better economics and/or lower cost ascompared to conventional lighting fixtures. Need also exists forimproved substrates for mounting light emitting diodes. Further needexists for light emitting diode based lighting fixtures that have ahigher degree of integration.

A capability addressing one or more such needs, or some other relateddeficiency in the art, would support improved illumination systems andwider use of light emitting diodes.

SUMMARY

A lighting fixture can comprise a substrate with an array of lightemitting diodes disposed along the substrate. The substrate can beflexible and manipulated so that light produced from the light emittingdiodes is incident upon the substrate. The produced light may beincident upon an area of the substrate that manages the incident light.The substrate may diffuse, refract, diffract, reflect, transmit, filter,imprint information upon, pattern, form text or images from, orotherwise purposely manipulate the incident light to achieve a desiredeffect.

The foregoing discussion of lighting fixtures is for illustrativepurposes only. Various aspects of the present technology may be moreclearly understood and appreciated from a review of the following textand by reference to the associated drawings and the claims that follow.Other aspects, systems, methods, features, advantages, and objects ofthe present technology will become apparent to one with skill in the artupon examination of the following drawings and text. It is intended thatall such aspects, systems, methods, features, advantages, and objectsare to be included within this description and covered by thisapplication and by the appended claims of the application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are notnecessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a flexible substrate array according toan example embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a flexible substrate array according toanother example embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a cross-section view of a flexible substrate, illustrating anexample radius of curvature;

FIG. 4A is a cross-section view of a cylindrical flexible substratelighting fixture according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 4B is a cross-section view of a cylindrical flexible substratelighting fixture according to another example embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a cross-section view of a planar flexible substrate lightingfixture according to an example embodiment; and

FIG. 6 is a cross-section view of a planar flexible substrate lightingfixture according to another example embodiment.

The drawings illustrate only example embodiments and are therefore notto be considered limiting of the embodiments described, as other equallyeffective embodiments are within the scope and spirit of thisdisclosure. The elements and features shown in the drawings are notnecessarily drawn to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearlyillustrating the principles of the embodiments. Additionally, certaindimensions or positionings may be exaggerated to help visually conveycertain principles. In the drawings, similar reference numerals amongdifferent figures designate like or corresponding, but not necessarilyidentical, elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

One or more light emitting diodes can be mounted to a region of asubstrate so that emitted light is incident upon a second region of thesubstrate. The second region of the substrate can manipulate theincident light, resulting in illumination characteristics adapted forone or more lighting applications. Accordingly, the substrate can notonly structurally support a light emitting diode, but also manageemitted light. In some embodiments, the substrate may be flexible tofacilitate manipulating the substrate into a desired geometry. In otherwords, the manipulated flexible substrate can be adapted or changed tosuit a particular application or purpose. The lighting applicationsserved may involve signage, emergency lighting, overhead lighting,outdoor lighting, street lighting, garage lighting, luminaires, lightingfixtures, wall-mounted lighting, and recessed lighting, to mention a fewrepresentative examples without limitation.

Embodiments of the disclosure will be described more fully hereinafterwith reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some exampleembodiments of the disclosure are illustrated. This disclosure may,however, encompass or be embodied in many different forms and should notbe construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather,these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thoroughand complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to thoseappropriately skilled in the art.

Turning now to FIG. 1, this figure provides a perspective view of aflexible substrate array 10 according to an example embodiment. Asillustrated, the flexible substrate array 10 includes a substrate 100and a light emitting diode array 120 positioned within an array area ofthe substrate 100.

The term “flexible,” as used herein in the context of describing amaterial property, generally describes something as capable of beingbent without breaking. Accordingly, in an example embodiment, theflexible substrate array 10 is capable of being bent without breaking.

The term “array,” as used herein generally refers to an order orarrangement. An array may comprise two or more things arranged in apattern, for example. An array of objects may be arranged in one or morerows, columns, or a lines, for example. An array of objects may bearranged in a spiral or other nonlinear pattern. An array of objects mayfurther be arranged in locations that are defined using random numbergeneration, so that there may be at least some degree of inadvertent ordeliberate randomness associated with the positioning, for example.

The term “light emitting diode array” or “LED array,” as used herein,generally refers to an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs).

In some example embodiments, the substrate 100 of the flexible substratearray 10 may be elastic so that the flexible substrate array 10 iscapable of returning to its original form after being bent, stretched,deformed, compressed, or expanded. The substrate 100 of the flexiblesubstrate array 10 may comprise an elastomeric material, for example.

In some example embodiments, the flexible substrate array 10 may be bentor otherwise deformed so that the flexible substrate array 10 ispermanently bent or deformed. In such an embodiment, the flexiblesubstrate array 10 may be bent by exerting a bending force upon theflexible substrate array 10, with the flexible substrate array 10remaining at least partially bent after the bending force is released,for example.

In some example embodiments, the substrate 100 comprises an organicpolymer, plastic, or other suitable flexible material and may includecertain reinforcements, fibers, and/or pigments, for example, in variousembodiments.

In some example embodiments, the substrate 100 is transparent orsemi-transparent. In some example embodiments, the substrate 100 isformed with pigments or dyes to add color to the substrate 100. Theadded color or dye can optically filter incident light emitted by thelight emitting diode array 120, for example causing a white lightproduced by the light emitting diode array 120 to take on a red hue byfiltering out light colors other than red. In some example embodiments,the substrate 100 comprises a scattering agent that diffuses incidentlight produced by the light emitting diode array 120.

In some example embodiments, the substrate 100 is substantiallyhomogeneous. In some example embodiments, different areas of thesubstrate 100 have different optical, electrical, chemical, physical,and/or mechanical properties. In some example embodiments, the substrate100 may comprise multiple layers made of different materials, forexample. The substrate 100 may comprise a laminate, for example.

In an example embodiment, the substrate 100 is generally flexible,relatively thin, and may range in thickness from about 0.1 mm to about1.5 mm, for example. Various applications may benefit from having alesser or a greater thickness.

The substrate 100 may be cut to any suitable dimension in width “X” andlength “Y,” without limitation. Although the substrate 100 isillustrated in FIG. 1 as being rectangular in shape, it should beappreciated that the substrate 100 may be cut into any shape having oneor more straight and/or curved sides from a larger sheet of substratematerial. The substrate 100 may be circular, triangular, oval, square,hexagonal, or some other appropriate form, to mention a fewrepresentative examples without limitation.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, the substrate 100 is flat in arelaxed state. Other embodiments may be domed, shaped, or contoured toprovide a three-dimensional form in a relaxed state, for example.

Electrical traces comprising conductive or semi-conductive materialsuitable for the application, for example metal or metal alloys, may beapplied to the substrate 100 to electrically couple light emittingdiodes 124 and other electrical components or elements to power, asdiscussed in further detail below. Such materials may be printed orsputtered onto the substrate 100, for example.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the light emitting diode array 120 may bepositioned in one area of the substrate 100 and the remaining area ofthe substrate 100 may remain open or free from electrical traces andelectrical elements to provide an optic area 110. The term “optic area,”as used herein, generally refers to an area that transmits, reflects, orpurposely manipulates light that is intentionally incident on the area.

In the illustrated example embodiment, the optic area 110 comprises anarea of the substrate 100 that is free from the light emitting diodearray 120. In the illustrated example embodiment, the optic area 110 isdisplaced from the light emitting diode array 120. In some embodiments,the optic area 110 may substantially adjoin the light emitting diodearray 120. In some example embodiments, one or more light emittingdiodes may be within an optic area.

In one example embodiment, the substrate 100 can be one continuous pieceof material comprising an optic area 110 and another area on which thelight emitting diode array 120 can be positioned.

In some example embodiments, the optic area 110 of the substrate 100 isfree from electrical traces, light emitting diodes, and other discretecomponents and may be stamped, molded, or embossed to form a diffuser.Such a diffuser can diffuse light produced by the light emitting diodearray 120 that is incident upon the optic area 110. The light may bediffused as it passes through the optic area 110 of the substrate 100,for example.

In some example embodiments, the optic area 110 may comprise opticalfeatures that refract or otherwise manipulate incident light, which mayeither pass through the optic area 110 or be reflected by the optic area100, for example. Such optical features may comprise patterned surfaces,relief areas, raised areas, indentations, and other appropriatefeatures, for example.

In some example embodiments, the optic area 110 may comprise a printedmarking including text or images, without limitation. For example, theoptic area 110 of the substrate 100 may include the characters “EXIT,”printed using an appropriate typeface (with appropriate size, shape, andcolor(s)) for signage. Accordingly, the optic area 110 may imprintinformation upon the incident light, including graphical, icon, color,warning, or textual information, for example.

As described in further detail below, the substrate 100 may be folded,manipulated, and assembled into various configurations to produce at alighting fixture. Markings may be printed on the substrate 100 before orafter such folding/manipulation of the substrate 100 to display messagesor images, for example.

The light emitting diode array 120 comprises individual light emittingdiodes 124 arranged in rows 122. In various embodiments, the lightemitting diode array 120 may include additional or fewer light emittingdiodes 124 and rows 122 of light emitting diodes 124, as compared to theexample embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1. In certain embodiments, thelight emitting diode array 120 may comprise one or more rows 122positioned at various spaced-apart locations on the substrate 100.

In some example embodiments, the flexible substrate array 10 maycomprise multiple light emitting diode arrays 120 mounted to a commonsubstrate 100. Such light emitting diode arrays 120 may be separatedfrom one another. The flexible substrate array 10 may further comprisemultiple optic areas 110. In some such embodiments, each optic area 110may be associated with a different light emitting diode array 120, forexample.

One or more optical areas 110 can occupy a fraction of the total surfacearea of the flexible substrate array 10. One or more light emittingdiode arrays 120 can occupy another fraction of the total surface areaof the flexible substrate array 10. In some example embodiments, theratio between the optical area surface area and the LED surface area isapproximately 1:1. In some example embodiments, the ratio isapproximately 100:1. In some example embodiments, the ratio is 1:100. Insome example embodiments, the ratio is in a range between 1:100 and 1:1.In some example embodiments, the ratio is in a range between 1:1 and1:100.

Electrical connections among the light emitting diodes 124 of the lightemitting diode array 120 can be formed on (or embedded in) the substrate100 to provide electrical power to the light emitting diodes 124, asdiscussed above. In some embodiments, the light emitting diode array 120may additionally include electrical components other than light emittingdiodes, such as resistors, diodes, capacitors, or mechanical switches,for example.

It should be appreciated that the light emitting diodes 124 may compriseany known light emitting diode suitable for a particular application. Incertain embodiments, the light emitting diodes 124 comprise surfacemount light emitting diodes mounted to the substrate 100 at regular orirregular intervals in straight or curved lines, although other typesand arrangements of light emitting diodes may be used. The lightemitting diodes 124 may emit various wavelengths (i.e., colors) oflight, depending upon the type of light emitting diode. Moreover, asingle light emitting diode array 120 can comprise multiple types oflight emitting diodes 124 and/or light emitting diodes 124 that emitdifferent colors of light.

As described in further detail below with reference to variousembodiments, assembly of the flexible substrate array 10 into certainshapes or forms may be accomplished by folding, curling, or otherwisemanipulating the substrate 100. As the substrate 100 is flexible in anexample embodiment, the flexible substrate array 10 may be folded orotherwise manipulated into various shapes. Additionally, as the materialof the substrate 100 is transparent or semi-transparent in someembodiments, if the flexible substrate array 10 is folded into acylinder, for example, light emitting from the light emitting diodearray 120 can be diffused through the substrate 100. After diffusion,light emitting from the light emitting diode array 120 may appear moreuniform, as desirable for some example applications.

Turning now to FIG. 2, this figure provides a perspective view of aflexible substrate array 20 according to another example embodiment. Ascompared to the flexible substrate array 10 of FIG. 1, the exampleflexible substrate array 20 of FIG. 2 includes an array of lightemitting diodes 124 positioned in three groups 122A, 122B, 122C of rowson the substrate 200. The three groups 122A, 122B, 122C can be viewedeither as three light emitting diode arrays or collectively as one lightemitting diode array. Open spaces 210 between the three groups 122A,122B, and 122C can comprise two optic areas. Alternatively, a singleoptic area can comprise the two open spaces 210. Accordingly, an opticarea may be either contiguous or noncontiguous.

Based on the placement of the light emitting diodes 124 on the substrate200, when the flexible substrate array 20 is folded or manipulated, asfurther described below, light from the light emitting diodes 124 candisperse in a varied manner as compared to the flexible substrate array10 of FIG. 1.

It is noted that the arrangements of the light emitting diodes 124 onthe substrates 100 and 200, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, areprovided by way of example only and without limitation. Various otherarrangements or placements of light emitting diodes 124 are within thescope and spirit of the embodiments described herein. Moreover, the “X”and “Y” dimensions depicted on FIGS. 1 and 2 can take on numerous valuesas may be useful for various applications. As mentioned above withreference to FIG. 1, the substrate 200 may have a variety of geometries,and may deviate from flat, for example having a concave or convex form.

In one example embodiment, the flexible substrate array 20 extends inthe X dimension without adding additional groups 122A, 122B, 122C oflight emitting diodes 124. Thus, in the flexible substrate array 20 mayhave one area populated with light emitting diodes 124 as illustratedand another, extended area of at least the same surface area that isvoid of light emitting diodes 124. Such an embodiment of the flexiblesubstrate array 20 can be utilized to produce the lighting fixture 60illustrated in FIG. 6, as discussed in further detail below.

Turning now to FIG. 3, this figure provides a cross-section view of asubstrate 300 that illustrates a radius of curvature of the substrate300 when folded or manipulated. Light emitting diodes (not illustratedin FIG. 3) may be mounted to the substrate 300 to create a foldedsubstrate array, for example. Mounting of the light emitting diodes tothe substrate 300 may occur prior to substrate folding in some exampleembodiments. Alternatively, substrate folding may occur prior to lightemitting diode mounting in other example embodiments.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the substrate 300 has been manipulated to forma rounded corner 310, having a radius of curvature “A.” Depending uponthe flexibility and thickness of the material of the substrate 300, theradius “A” may vary. In certain embodiments, the material of thesubstrate 300 may be selected to achieve a radius “A” as small as ¼ to ½inch without damaging the substrate 300. In some example embodiments,the material of the substrate 300 may be selected to achieve a radius“A” up to ¾ inch, similar to a radius of a standard fluorescent T5, T8or T12 bulb. Some applications will benefit from smaller or largerradii.

In some embodiments, the rounded corner 310 is created by applyingflexing force to the substrate 300, and if the flexing force isreleased, the substrate 300 may relax and return to a flat state. Insome embodiments, the rounded corner 310 is created by applying flexingforce to the substrate 300, and if the flexing force is released, thesubstrate 300 retains its bent state. Thus, a deformation may bepermanent or temporary.

Some example embodiments of lighting fixtures utilizing flexible arraytechnology will now be discussed with reference to FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5, and6, without limitation. Accordingly, these embodiments are among numerousother supported by the disclosure.

Turning now to FIG. 4A, this figure provides a cross-section view of acylindrical flexible substrate lighting fixture 40 according to anexemplary embodiment. The cylindrical flexible substrate lightingfixture 40 includes an outer tube 400 and an inner tube 410. Thelighting fixture 40 may be formed from a flexible substrate arraycomprising a diffuser or other optical features as discussed above withreference to the flexible substrate array 10 of FIG. 1, for example. Forthe lighting fixture 40, it is noted that the position (and number) ofthe light emitting diodes 124 within the inner tube 410 is illustratedby way of example only. In other embodiments, the light emitting diodes124 may be positioned on an outer surface or both outer and innersurfaces of the inner tube 410.

The lighting fixture 40 can be produced from the flexible substratearray 10 of FIG. 1 as follows. The flexible substrate array 10 can bemanipulated by curling it to form the inner tube 410. Once the innertube 410 is formed, further curling the remaining optic area 110 of thearray 10 can form the outer tube 400. Accordingly, the inner and outertubes 410, 400 can be formed from one continuous piece of material.

In the illustrated arrangement, light that emits from the light emittingdiodes 124 is diffused by the substrate material of the inner tube 410and also by the substrate material of the outer tube 400. Asillustrated, a diameter “B” of the inner tube 410 is less than adiameter “C” of the outer tube 400. Depending upon the dimensions of theflexible substrate array 10, the lighting fixture 40 may be formed intovarious sizes (i.e., diameters “B” and “C”) and lengths.

Production of the lighting fixture 40 from the flexible substrate array10 can be relatively simple. Generally, the lighting fixture 40 may beassembled quickly, even by hand, without necessarily requiringspecialized tools or equipment. In other cases, the lighting fixture 40may be assembled with the assistance of appropriate tools, machines,automation, or equipment, if desirable for economic or other reasons. Incertain embodiments, heat may be used to increase flexibility of thesubstrate 100, before curling it to form the lighting fixture 40. Insome embodiment, the substrate 100 may be flexible during one stage offixture manufacture and inflexible or rigid during another. Also,adhesives or mechanical means to secure the sides of the substrate 100may be used to maintain the cylindrical form of the lighting fixture 40.

In some example embodiments, the lighting fixture 40 comprises a framethat supports the flexible substrate array 10. The frame may maintainthe flexible substrate array 10 in a curled configuration or in someother desirable orientation, for example. In some example embodiments,the lighting fixture 40 may comprise a housing or enclosure, either ofwhich may comprise or be associated with such a frame.

Turning now to FIG. 4B, this figure provides a cross-section view of acylindrical flexible substrate lighting fixture 42 according to anotherexample embodiment. The cylindrical flexible substrate lighting fixture42 is similar to the lighting fixture 40 illustrated in FIG. 4A, but isformed into a single tube 420.

The tube 420 can comprise an integral optic area 433 with features todisperse or otherwise manipulate light emitted from the light emittingdiodes. To produce the lighting fixture 42, the flexible substrate array10 that is illustrated in FIG. 1 can be manipulated by curling to form atube 420. Once the tube 420 is formed, adhesives or mechanical fastenerscan be used to secure the sides of the flexible array 10 to maintain thecylindrical form of the lighting fixture 42. In various embodiments, adiameter “D” of the diffuser 420 may vary in size. Tube length of thelighting fixture 42 may also vary, and may be set according toapplication specifics. In certain example embodiments, the diameter andlength dimensions of the tube 420 may be selected to match industrystandard dimensions for fluorescent tubes.

Turning now to FIG. 5, this figure provides a cross-section view of aplanar flexible substrate lighting fixture 50 according to an exampleembodiment. The flexible substrate lighting fixture 50 can be producedfrom the flexible substrate array 10 illustrated in FIG. 1.

For example, the lighting fixture 50 may be formed by manipulating theflexible substrate array 10 into a ‘U’ shape, with the light emittingdiodes 124 facing the side 510, for example comprising the optic area110 illustrated in FIG. 1.

Markings such as text or images can be printed upon the side 510 of thelighting fixture 50. Light from the light emitting diodes 124 canprovide backlight for display of the markings. Such markings can imprintinformation on light emitted by the fixture 50, for example to create anexit sign. In some example embodiments, the markings may be printed withan opaque ink or pigment and may be printed as an inverted or “mirror”image, depending upon the manner in which the flexible substrate array10 will be manipulated.

Turning now to FIG. 6, this figure provides a cross-section view of aplanar flexible substrate lighting fixture 60 according to anotherexample embodiment. The flexible substrate lighting fixture 60illustrated in FIG. 6 can be produced from the flexible substrate array20 illustrated in FIG. 2.

For example, the lighting fixture 60 may be formed by manipulating anoptic area 210 of the flexible substrate array 20 into a wave shapehaving a series of semicircles 610. Each semicircle 610 can have adiameter “E.” Light emitting diodes 124 face and illuminate thesemicircles 610. The semicircles 610 may be formed in an optic area 210created by expanding the flexible substrate array 20 in the X dimensionwithout adding light emitting diodes in the expanded area, as discussedabove with reference to FIG. 2.

Light from the light emitting diodes 124 can be diffused by thesemicircles 610, and the semicircles 610 may appear visually asfluorescent bulbs.

The teaching provided herein supports numerous embodiments, some ofwhich will now be further discussed, without limitation.

Example embodiments of a flexible diffuser lighting fixture aredisclosed. The fixture can comprise a manipulated flexible substrate andan array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) coupled to the manipulatedflexible substrate and positioned within an array area of themanipulated flexible substrate. The manipulated flexible substrate canbe manipulated into a form that emits light from the array of LEDsthrough an optic area of the manipulated flexible substrate. The opticarea can be integral with the manipulated flexible substrate andcomprise optical features.

In some embodiments of the flexible diffuser lighting fixture, the arrayof LEDs is arranged into a plurality of spaced-apart rows of LEDs. Insome embodiments of the flexible diffuser lighting fixture, themanipulated flexible substrate comprises text or an image printed on theoptic area. In some embodiments of the flexible diffuser lightingfixture, the manipulated flexible substrate has a thickness within arange from 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm. In some embodiments of the flexiblediffuser lighting fixture, the optical features refract the lightemitted from the array of LEDs. In some embodiments of the flexiblediffuser lighting fixture, the form of the manipulated flexiblesubstrate comprises a radius of curvature within a range fromone-quarter of an inch to three-quarters of an inch. In some embodimentsof the flexible diffuser lighting fixture, the substrate is colored witha pigment or dye. In some embodiments of the flexible diffuser lightingfixture, the form of the manipulated flexible substrate has acylindrical cross section. In some embodiments of the flexible diffuserlighting fixture, the form of the manipulated flexible substratecomprises a first cylindrical shape within a second cylindrical shape.In some embodiments of the flexible diffuser lighting fixture, the formof the manipulated flexible substrate is a ‘U’ shape.

Example embodiments of a light source are disclosed. The light source ancomprise a continuous flexible substrate and an optic area. Thecontinuous flexible substrate can comprise an array of light emittingdiodes (LEDs) coupled to the continuous flexible substrate. Thecontinuous flexible substrate can be formed such that light emitted fromthe array of LEDs passes through the optic area and exits the lightsource.

In some embodiments of the light source, the optic area comprisesfeatures that diffuse the light emitted from the array of LEDs. In someembodiments of the light source, the optic area comprises text or animage printed on a surface of the optic area. In some embodiments of thelight source, the continuous flexible substrate has a thickness within arange from 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm. In some embodiments of the light source,the form of the continuous flexible substrate comprises a radius ofcurvature within a range from one-quarter of an inch to three-quartersof an inch. In some embodiments of the light source, the continuousflexible substrate is colored with a pigment or dye. In some embodimentsof the light source, the form of the continuous flexible substrate has acylindrical cross section. In some embodiments of the light source, theform of the continuous flexible substrate comprises a first cylindricalshape within a second cylindrical shape. In some embodiments of thelight source, the form of the continuous flexible substrate is a ‘U’shape.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosures set forthherein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which thesedisclosures pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in theforegoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is tobe understood that the disclosures are not to be limited to the specificembodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments areintended to be included within the scope of this application. Althoughspecific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic anddescriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

What is claimed is:
 1. A lighting system, comprising: a substratecomprising an array area and an optic area; and an array of lightemitting diodes (LEDs) mounted to the substrate in the array area,wherein the substrate has sufficient flexibility and the array area andthe optic area are disposed with respect to one another such that thesubstrate can be manipulated to position the optic area in front of thearray of light emitting diodes to receive light emitted by the array oflight emitting diodes.
 2. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein theoptic area is configured to transmit the received light and produceillumination from the received light.
 3. The lighting system of claim 1,wherein the optic area comprises a scattering agent for diffusing thereceived light.
 4. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein the opticarea comprises a color filter.
 5. The lighting system of claim 1,wherein the optic area comprises optical features for refracting thereceived light.
 6. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein manipulatingthe substrate comprises curling the substrate.
 7. The lighting system ofclaim 1, further comprising semi-conductive material printed orsputtered onto the substrate.
 8. The lighting system of claim 1, furthercomprising electrically conductive material printed or sputtered ontothe substrate.
 9. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein the optic areacomprises text or an image for conveying information when illuminated bythe array of light emitting diodes.
 10. The lighting system of claim 1,wherein array of light emitting diodes comprises a first light emittingdiode that emits light of a first color and a second light emittingdiode that emits light of a second color that is different than thefirst color.
 11. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein the array oflight emitting diodes comprises multiple types of light emitting diodesthat emit different colors of light.
 12. A light source comprising: acontinuous flexible substrate, the continuous flexible substratecomprising: an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) coupled to thecontinuous flexible substrate; and an optic area, wherein the continuousflexible substrate is formable such that when formed, light emitted fromthe array of LEDs passes through the optic area and exits the lightsource.
 13. The light source of claim 12, wherein the optic areacomprises features that diffuse the light emitted from the array ofLEDs.
 14. The light source of claim 12, wherein the optic area comprisestext or an image printed on a surface of the optic area.
 15. The lightsource of claim 12, wherein the continuous flexible substrate has athickness within a range from 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm.
 16. The light source ofclaim 12, wherein when formed, the continuous flexible substratecomprises a radius of curvature within a range from one-quarter of aninch to three-quarters of an inch.
 17. The light source of claim 12,wherein the optic area is colored with a pigment or dye.
 18. A lightingsystem comprising: a continuous flexible substrate that is formable intoa cylindrical shape and that comprises an optic area and an array area;and an array of light emitting diodes mounted to the array area of thecontinuous flexible substrate, wherein the optic area comprises opticalfeatures for diffusing light emitted by the array of light emittingdiodes via refraction.
 19. The lighting system of claim 18, wherein theoptic area comprises a printed marking for imprinting information onlight received from the array of light emitting diodes.
 20. The lightingsystem of claim 18, further comprising electrical components other thanlight emitting diodes attached to the continuous flexible substrate.